Less Than 2%: Cultured Celery Powder

Cultured celery powder is made by fermenting celery with a starter culture, similar to how yogurt is made. This process enhances the natural compounds in celery, which can then be used as a food ingredient. It is typically a dried powder.

Manufacturers use cultured celery powder as a natural curing agent, often in processed meats like bacon and ham. It helps to preserve the food and contribute to its color and flavor. It is found in a variety of processed meat products.

In the U.S., cultured celery powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. It is a source of naturally occurring nitrates, which the body can convert to nitrites. Some research suggests a link between high intake of nitrites from processed meats and certain health concerns, but the evidence is mixed and ongoing. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated celery and celery extracts.